International Journal of Paleopathology最新文献

{"title":"A possible case of hypertrophic osteopathy in osteological remains representing cattle hide processing from a Roman villa in England","authors":"Fay Worley ,&nbsp;G. Michael Taylor ,&nbsp;Orestis L. Katsamenis ,&nbsp;Simon Mays","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the likelihood that pathological features noted on cattle bones indicate that the animal suffered hypertrophic osteopathy.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Cattle bones, mostly from the lower extremities, representing a single individual, recovered from a Romano-British villa (4th century CE).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The remains were subject to macroscopic, low-power microscopic, radiographic and μCT study, as well as biomolecular analysis for <em>M. tuberculosis</em> complex and <em>Brucella</em> species DNA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The remains represent a single individual and show bilaterally symmetrical subperiosteal new bone formation with no micro-anatomical alteration of the underlying bone structure. aDNA analysis was negative for <em>M. tuberculosis</em> and <em>Brucella,</em> but positive for bovine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Hypertrophic osteopathy is the most likely differential diagnoses.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Hypertrophic osteopathy is uncommon in bovids, and this is the first suspected case in livestock remains from an archaeological site. It demonstrates the importance of differential diagnosis in disarticulated remains through recognition of skeletal patterning.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>The diagnosis is hampered by the incomplete nature of the remains.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Given the primacy of chronic infection as a cause of hypertrophic osteopathy in the past, scanning these remains for evidence of pathogens using Next Generation Sequencing when feasible, and other biomolecular techniques may be useful.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 11-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An arts-based approach for communicating paleopathological research to public audiences: the Phoenix Bioscience Core’s Artist + Researcher (ARx) program","authors":"Anne R. Titelbaum ,&nbsp;Mary K. Lucking ,&nbsp;Cynthia A. Standley","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Communicating research to the public is an important part of the scientific process, but to do so effectively, we must engage nonscientist audiences so they are interested in hearing about our discipline and how our insights have relevance in today’s world. One way to capture public imagination is through the visual arts. This paper describes an arts-based approach that communicated paleopathological research to public audiences.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>One paleopathologist/bioarchaeologist whose research area is Peru and one professional artist who fabricates cloisonné objects.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The artist and researcher pair collaborated over a nine-month period. The finished pieces were displayed to various audiences through multiple gallery events. The pair was present at each event to discuss the research and art and answer questions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Paleopathogical research was translated into a suite of cloisonné jewelry that pays homage to Moche art, illustrates the process of excavation and skeletal analysis, and communicates findings such as traumatic injuries, trepanation, and developmental conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The art engaged viewers and furnished a starting point for dialog, giving them an interactive opportunity to learn about paleopathology.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This arts-based form of science communication made paleopathology accessible to audiences who generally do not attend our conferences or read our peer-reviewed publications.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>This project was a single arts-based form of science communication that was qualitatively assessed as successful.</div></div><div><h3>Future directions</h3><div>As we begin the next 50 years, paleopathologists should engage creatively with public audiences to communicate research findings, and objectively assess outreach activities to evaluate their effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 58-68"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential sampling for genetic analyses of Treponema pallidum and for radiocarbon dating in archaeological bone","authors":"Karen Giffin ,&nbsp;Ariane Weber ,&nbsp;Justina Kozakaitė ,&nbsp;Ronny Friedrich ,&nbsp;Rimantas Jankauskas ,&nbsp;Denise Kühnert ,&nbsp;Kirsten I. Bos","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Molecular recovery of <em>T. pallidum</em> DNA in dry bone poses methodological challenges. Here we evaluate recovery success from a molecularly confirmed co-infection with yaws (<em>T. pallidum pertenue</em>) and plague (<em>Y. pestis</em>).</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Pulverised bone from three pathological anatomical elements from individual AGU007 excavated from Aguonų street, Vilnius, Lithuania was used for DNA analysis. Three additional anatomical elements from individual AGU007 were used to obtain radiocarbon dates.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>High-throughput sequencing of bulk DNA content followed by computational analysis. DNA sequencing and genomic analysis following molecular enrichment for <em>T. pallidum</em>. Radiocarbon dating combined with computational molecular dating.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>T. pallidum</em> and <em>Y. pestis</em> DNA were identified in a cranial fragment from individual AGU007. Radiocarbon dates from this individual combined with another narrowed the temporal range to the latter part of the 15th century at the 2-sigma level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Detection of <em>T. pallidum</em> DNA in multiple skeletal elements from an individual confirmed to have an active yaws infection at time of death gave further insight into preferred sampling locations for molecular detection of treponemal infections. While the highest molecular recovery came from teeth, the parietal bone provided adequate recovery.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This research indicates that sampling for molecular analysis of <em>T. pallidum</em> infections should include (if available) one tooth and one lesion indicative of active infection at the time of death. Accommodating radiocarbon date probability distributions and Bayesian inference has the potential to increase molecular dating precision.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div><em>T. pallidum</em> DNA preservation is not predictable across the skeleton.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><div>We encourage ethical and minimalist sampling strategies for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 44-57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiographic and macroscopic dry bone manifestations of childhood leukemia in a case of known cause of death from mid-20th century Portugal","authors":"Julia Meyers ,&nbsp;Laure Spake ,&nbsp;Carlos Prates ,&nbsp;Carlos Oliveira ,&nbsp;Sandra Sousa ,&nbsp;Hugo FV Cardoso","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examines the radiological and dry bone manifestations of diagnosed leukemia in a child who lived prior to the advent of modern cancer treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>The skeleton of a 9-year-old girl who died of myeloid leukemia in Lisbon, Portugal in the 1940s.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Lesions were identified and documented through macroscopic analysis. Selected skeletal elements were imaged using radiography, mammography, and computed tomography.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Osteolytic lesions were observed on the petrous portion, humerus, ilia, ischia, pubis, sacrum, tibiae, femora, and humeri. New bone formation was observed at the margins of osteolytic lesions on some bones including both ilia. Diffuse porosity on the frontal bone, the palate, several vertebrae, and the tarsals was also noted.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The lesions present in the child, both osteolytic and porotic, as well as new bone formation, are consistent with the clinically known radiological and dry bone effects of childhood leukemia.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This case is one of the few examples of potentially diagnosed childhood leukemia with observable dry bone lesions prior to the modern era of cancer treatment and can serve as a reference for diagnosis of suspected cases in the archaeological record.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>While the cause of death was documented as myeloid leukemia, it is possible that the medical diagnosis was incorrect.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for future research</h3><div>Further research using confirmed dry bone cases of leukemia and the environmental and societal factors potentially associated with the disease in the past.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 140-148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stressing about stress: Examining dental cortisol concentrations in teeth with dental enamel hypoplasia","authors":"Leslie Quade ,&nbsp;Petra Bencúrová ,&nbsp;Miroslav Králík","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The ‘stress’ hormone cortisol has recently been identified in human teeth, representing a potential method for assessing stress in past populations. In this study, dental cortisol concentrations were analyzed in teeth with dental enamel hypoplasia (DEH) to advance knowledge about this new method for detecting stress in archaeological skeletons.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Ten teeth with DEH were selected from nine individuals buried in the ‘Brno-Vídeňská Street’ cemetery (11th-12th century).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>DEH were classified by type and number. Cortisol was assessed in circumpulpal dentine, primary dentine and enamel (n = 26) through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cortisol was detected in eight of 10 teeth (80.0 %) and 15 of 26 samples (57.7 %), most frequently in enamel, with concentrations ranging from 0.011 to 0.194 μg/dL. Teeth with multiple linear or cuspal enamel hypoplasia were more likely to generate quantifiable cortisol.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This analysis demonstrates a possible relationship between cortisol and DEH, especially when multiple defects are present. However, many samples did not have detectable cortisol, suggesting further research is necessary to explore if and how cortisol relates or contributes to DEH formation.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This is the first study to examine cortisol concentrations in teeth with DEH, advancing cortisol research.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Sample sizes are small and included different tooth types with varying preservation.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Future research should investigate diagenesis and compare cortisol in teeth with and without DEH, focusing on enamel. Mass spectrometry will provide greater sensitivity in future analyses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 102-107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Applying demographic and epidemiological models in challenging situations: Grappling with a small sample size and complex sociopolitical contexts among the ancient Maya at Lower Dover","authors":"Saige Kelmelis ,&nbsp;Kira Wilde ,&nbsp;John P. Walden ,&nbsp;Kirsten Green Mink ,&nbsp;Kasey Corey ,&nbsp;Victoria S.R. Izzo ,&nbsp;Carolyn Freiwald ,&nbsp;Claire E. Ebert ,&nbsp;April Martinez ,&nbsp;Hannah Zanotto ,&nbsp;Julie A. Hoggarth ,&nbsp;Rafael A. Guerra ,&nbsp;M. Kathryn Brown ,&nbsp;Christina Warinner ,&nbsp;Jaime J. Awe","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To demonstrate the utility of applying demographic and epidemiological models to assess the potential effects of sociopolitical status and childhood stress on survivorship, mortality, and morbidity to shed new light on life during the Maya Classic period.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Elite and commoner burials (<em>n</em> = 63) from the Lower Dover polity, Belize dating to the Early (CE 250/300–600) and Late/Terminal Classic (CE 600–900/1000) periods were analyzed for lesions associated with developmental stress.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression hazards analyses were applied to assess survivorship and mortality trends across ages, sociopolitical statuses, and for individuals displaying macroscopic indicators of cribra orbitalia and linear enamel hypoplasia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression showed that there are no significant differences in mortality and morbidity between sociopolitical status groups when nonadults (&lt;15 years) are excluded. However, among commoners, those with cribra orbitalia had higher survival than those without it (<em>p</em> = 0.02).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings show that despite small sample sizes, paleodemographic models have the potential to elucidate the effects of early life stressors and that despite inferred status differences in Maya archaeology, elites and commoners experienced similar survivorship rates at Classic period Lower Dover.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study exemplifies how integrating paleopathological data with demographic modeling provides insights even when sample sizes are limited, and it clarifies some of the complexities inherent in understanding ancient Maya.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Poor preservation impacted the analysis of pathological conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for Further Research</h3><div>Paleopathology—broadly and in Mesoamerica more regionally—needs to engage in more rigorous model approaches and reconsider long-held narratives to make substantial headway in understanding the societal and biological impact of childhood stressors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 87-101"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146000218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Precursors to the 1918 pandemic: Finding Rickettsia felis and Mucor co-infection associated with a death in 1912","authors":"Yongli Xiao,&nbsp;Zong-Mei Sheng,&nbsp;Jeffery K. Taubenberger","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate potential molecular evidence of the presence of infuenza A in a patient who died in 1912.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>Two to three paraffin curls from a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung sample from an autopsy case of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who reportedly died of acute pneumonia at the Royal London Hospital on February 1, 1912.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>RNA was extracted from the sample. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to screen for influenza A virus, followed by total RNA library preparation and high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NextSeq platform. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted on the obtained reads, which included metagenomic classification and sequence alignment to reference genomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Real-time RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing both revealed no evidence of influenza A virus infection. However, metagenomic analysis identified a significant number of reads matching <em>Rickettsia felis</em>, with 233 unique reads specifically aligning to its <em>OmpB</em> gene, and over 4 million fungal reads classified within the <em>Mucor</em> genus, although the exact species could not be determined. These findings provide suggestive molecular evidence of co-infection with <em>R. felis</em> and a <em>Mucor</em> species.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates the utility of modern molecular techniques in evaluating early diagnoses. Despite records attributing the cause of death to acute pneumonia, no influenza A virus RNA was detected. The identification of <em>R. felis</em> and <em>Mucor</em> sequences suggests that this rare co-infection may have contributed to the infant’s death.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Retrospective diagnosis is enhanced by the use of modern molecular and bioinformatic techniques. This case study provides important paleopathological insight into the etiology of recorded “acute pneumonia”, indicating the presence of pathogens other than influenza A leading up to the 1918 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Contamination during autopsy, tissue processing, or storage cannot be ruled out. Due to the lack of remaining material, histopathological confirmation of <em>Mucor</em> or <em>Rickettsia</em> infection was not possible.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Molecular and bioinformatic research into other cases of suspected influenza A.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 69-75"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Periodontitis in human skeletal remains: The relationship between CEJ-AC distance and alveolar bone defects in a modern forensic collection of low socioeconomic status individuals from Yucatan, Mexico","authors":"S. Thamara Noriega Muro ,&nbsp;Sudip Datta Banik ,&nbsp;Andrea Cucina","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study evaluates the interrelationship between the cementoenamel distance to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC), alveolar bone defects, and risk factors for periodontitis among adults.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>The skeletal remains of 77 individuals (58 males and 19 females), aged 28–92 years, were analyzed from a low socioeconomic status, 20th-century forensic collection in Merida, Mexico.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An analysis integrating qualitative and quantitative criteria was conducted. The CEJ-AC distance was measured using a dental probe, and bone defects were categorized as suprabony, infrabony and furcation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean CEJ-AC distance was 4.4 mm, with individual bone defect prevalence of 94.8 % (no sex differences). A positive correlation exists between CEJ-AC and bone defect severity (p &lt; 0.001), though greater CEJ-AC distances were not consistently associated with more severe defects. Furcation involvement was observed in 33.7 % of individuals, with no significant sex differences, and defect severity showed no association with age at death.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates that alveolar bone defects represent the primary criterion for periodontitis in skeletal remains; CEJ-AC distance complements it. Integrating both parameters enhances the accuracy of osteological diagnosis.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study contributes to refining paleopathological diagnosis of periodontal disease, thereby enhancing its applicability in archaeological contexts. The high prevalence observed underscores the impact of low socioeconomic status on oral health in marginalized populations.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Limitations include the sample’s low socioeconomic strata and underrepresentation of females.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions and Further Research</h3><div>Adapting clinical classifications to postmortem changes, compensatory eruption, and interindividual variation offers a promising framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145555268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Frequency of tuberculosis: Associated genomic variants in ancient Native Americans","authors":"Ana Cristina L.P. Cardouzo ,&nbsp;Henry Socrates Lavalle Sullasi ,&nbsp;André Luiz Campelo dos Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigates the role of the immunological landscape of the ancient Americas in relation to tuberculosis infection. Specifically, we aim to determine the relative frequency of genetic polymorphisms associated with susceptibility and resistance to tuberculosis in ancient individuals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a bibliographic review of tuberculosis and curated single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the disease in present-day human populations. Using BCFtools, we analyzed ancient DNA data from 223 Native American individuals to identify curated genomic variants.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our findings show a predominance of single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with tuberculosis susceptibility in ancient Native American populations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results indicate that genomic variants associated with susceptibility and resistance to tuberculosis were already present in ancient Native American populations, suggesting that genetic factors influenced mortality following the introduction of more virulent strains during European colonization.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study provides insights into the prevalence of tuberculosis-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms among ancient American individuals before European colonization.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>The variants considered are associated with contemporary TB, and it is uncertain whether they were associated with TB in the past.</div><div><em>Suggestions for further research:</em> Our findings underscore the need for future studies on the origins and spread of tuberculosis and the selective pressures the disease may have exerted on human populations in the Americas before and after European contact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 128-134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146138236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Iron Age horse exploitation in Thrace (Bulgaria) inferred from dental attrition and vertebral pathology","authors":"Nadezhda Karastoyanova ,&nbsp;Petar Stamberov ,&nbsp;Stella Nikolova ,&nbsp;Petar Leshtakov","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess pathological lesions observed in an Early Iron Age (8th-century BCE) horse to gain insight into equine use and management in the past.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>The study is based on a nearly complete adult horse skeleton recovered from a pit at an archaeological site near Chirpan, Thracian Valley, southern Bulgaria. The assemblage is radiocarbon dated to the 8th century BCE and represents one of the few well-documented Early Iron Age equine skeletons from Bulgaria.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Preserved skeletal elements were examined macroscopically following standard zooarchaeological and palaeopathological protocols. Selected pathological elements were analysed using radiography and computed tomography (CT). Age, sex, and withers height were estimated using osteological and dental criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The individual was identified as an adult mare with an estimated withers height of approximately 133 cm. Pathological changes include pronounced dental attrition affecting the upper and lower premolars, degenerative alterations of the thoracic vertebrae and associated ribs, and periosteal proliferation at the proximal phalanges.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The anatomical distribution of the lesions indicates prolonged and repetitive mechanical loading. Dental wear patterns are consistent with bit use, while vertebral and phalangeal changes suggest sustained labour related to draught and load-bearing activities.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Early Iron Age equine remains are rare across the Balkan Peninsula. This study provides rare palaeopathological evidence for early horse exploitation in southeastern Europe.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>Poor preservation of the skull limits assessment of cranial trauma.</div></div><div><h3>Suggestions for further research</h3><div>Further palaeopathological studies of Early Iron Age horses are needed to refine interpretations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48817,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Paleopathology","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 119-127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}